Accessory mounting system for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes spaced apart fixing elements adhesively attached at a surface of a vehicle windshield. A frame has receiving portions that are spaced apart from one another in a manner that corresponds with the spacing apart of the fixing elements, and each of the receiving portions is configured to receive a respective and corresponding one of the fixing elements. Elongated portions of the fixing elements are at least partially received in respective and corresponding ones of the receiving portions of the frame and cooperate with the receiving portions to attach the frame at the windshield. The frame includes structure for receiving an accessory thereat. The accessory includes a camera and, when the accessory is received at the structure of the frame, the line of vision of the camera passes through an aperture existing in the frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/721,406, filed Jul. 31, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,821,which is a 371 national phase filing of PCT Application No.PCT/EP05/13485, filed Dec. 14, 2005, which claims the filing benefit ofIrish Application No. S2004/0840, filed Dec. 15, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with an accessory module system for avehicle window, in particular for housing a plurality of electronicaccessories which can communicate with and/or through a windscreen ofthe vehicle. The system may also house accessories associated with, forexample, the environmental control of the vehicle cabin, thecommunication of information to the driver/passenger by means of adigital display or the like, or a communications system such as a handsfree phone. The system is also preferably adapted for the modularlocation of accessories therein, in order to allow variations inspecification or luxury level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain accessories of a vehicle, such as a rain sensor assembly orimaging sensor assembly, typically are mounted tight against an interiorsurface of a windshield or window. This is required in some cases tomaintain a desired distance between a light emitter/light sensor and theinterior surface of the windshield, and/or to optically or thermallycouple the component to the windshield, and/or to substantially seal thecomponent at the windshield to prevent dust, dirt, smoke or othercontaminants from affecting the component. However, as a result of thisrequirement, the accessory module assembly must be sufficiently rigid toapply and maintain a suitable force to the various components in orderto maintain the components or accessories in intimate contact with thewindscreen. As a result, the module assembly has little or noresilience, and is thus not generally capable of slight deformations toclosely follow the contour of the windscreen.

It is also desired to provide a blacked out area or ceramic frit regionin areas where such accessories are mounted at the windshield, in orderto enhance the appearance of the vehicle. Therefore, an aperture or portmay have to be formed in the frit layer for the camera or image sensorto be aligned with. However, the frit layer then may include the port oraperture even for vehicles where the camera-based or other accessory isnot selected as an option. In order to provide an appropriate fit layerfor the camera-based accessory option, the vehicle manufacturer may needto plan or design different frit layers for different options availableto the vehicle, which may result in a proliferation of windshields andpart numbers for the different optional accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to provide an accessory moduleassembly which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art assemblies.

The present invention therefore provides, according to a first aspect,an accessory module system for a vehicle window comprising; an accessorymodule assembly comprising a frame assembly defining a plurality ofsites for the modular location of accessories within the frame assembly;the accessory module assembly further comprising a cover assemblydetachably connectable to the frame assembly.

Preferably, the cover assembly is resiliently mounted to the frameassembly such that the cover assembly is urged, in use, against thevehicle window.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided anaccessory module system for a vehicle window comprising; an accessorymodule assembly comprising a substantially rigid frame assembly for theconnection of one or more accessories thereto; the accessory moduleassembly further comprising a resiliently deformable cover assemblydetachably connectable to the frame assembly such that the coverassembly is capable of deforming to conform to the shape of the vehiclewindow.

Preferably, the frame assembly defines a plurality of sites for themodular location of the accessories within the frame assembly.

Preferably, at least one of the sites comprises a connector assemblyconfigured to provide the simultaneous mechanical and electricalconnection of a corresponding accessory to the accessory moduleassembly.

Preferably, the system comprises an electrical terminal having a singlepower and/or control input and a plurality of power and/or controloutputs.

Preferably, at least one of the sites comprises a cradle for receivingand supporting one of the accessories therein.

Preferably, the system comprises a mirror assembly detachablyconnectable to the accessory module assembly.

Preferably, the mirror assembly is in electrical communication with theaccessory module assembly.

Preferably, the cover assembly comprises at least one aperture to enablea corresponding accessory to communicate with and/or through the vehiclewindow.

Preferably, the system comprises an attachment member for affixing tothe vehicle window, the frame assembly comprising a correspondingmounting portion configured for releasable engagement with and/or aboutthe attachment member.

Preferably, the attachment member comprises two or more discrete fixingelements.

Preferably, the system comprises a vehicle window comprising a frithaving at least one aperture corresponding substantially in shape andorientation to the at least one aperture in the cover assembly.

Preferably, the system comprises ventilation means to facilitate coolingof the accessory module assembly.

Preferably, the ventilation means comprises a plurality of ventilationopenings in the accessory module assembly.

Preferably, the cover assembly comprises a material having a heatdeflection temperature of at least 75° C., preferably at least 85° C.,and most preferably at least 105° C.

Preferably, the system comprises a plurality of accessories.

Preferably, the accessories comprise one or more of a closing velocitysensor assembly, a rain sensor assembly, a window temperature sensorassembly, a camera assembly, a compass assembly, a communicationsassembly, a light sensor assembly, a humidity sensor assembly, and adisplay assembly.

Preferably, the closing velocity sensor assembly comprises a LIDARsensor assembly.

Preferably, at least one of the sites comprises means for adjusting theposition of an accessory locatable within the site.

As used herein, the term “site” is intended to mean a location or areawhich is adapted, whether by having a complementary shape or otherwise,to receive an accessory or component therein or thereabout.

As used herein, the term “communications assembly” is intended to meanany assembly or accessory which is capable of either communicatinginformation to the driver/passenger, or which allows thedriver/passenger to communicate information to one or more of thevehicles systems or to an outside source using for example telephony.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which;

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory module assemblyand a mirror assembly forming part of an accessory module systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view from the reverse side of FIG. 1,in which an outer casing of the accessory module assembly has beenremoved to reveal the internal accessories thereof;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectioned side view of the accessory moduleassembly and mirror module assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partially exploded view of the accessory moduleassembly, in which a cover assembly is separated therefrom, and in whichthe internal accessories have been omitted for clarity;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view, from behind, of a camera assemblylocated within the accessory module assembly, showing one method ofsecuring the cover assembly to the frame assembly; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the accessory module assemblyand mirror assembly forming the accessory module system, in which a pairof gaskets are provided on the cover assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the accompanying drawings there is illustrated anaccessory module system, generally indicated as 10, for mounting againsta vehicle window (not shown) in particular a windscreen of a vehicle, aswill be described in more detail hereinafter. The system 10 comprises anaccessory module assembly 12 and, in the preferred embodimentillustrated, a mirror assembly 14 detachably connected to the moduleassembly 12 in substantially conventional fashion. It will however beappreciated from the following description that the mirror assembly 14does not form an essential element of the invention, and the system 10could be provided without the mirror assembly 14. The module assembly 12could be designed to be seated against or partially surrounding anexisting mirror assembly mounted directly to the vehicle windscreen.When included, the mirror assembly 14 may be of any conventional form,and preferably has a front opening (not shown) which is normally closedby a reflective element (also not shown). The reflective element maycomprise an electro-optic cell (such as an electrochromic mirrorelement) so that the reflectivity of the mirror assembly 14 can beelectrically varied according to prevailing conditions. The constructionand operation of the mirror assembly 14 is well known to those skilledin the art, and no further details are therefore deemed necessary.

The accessory module assembly 12 comprises a frame assembly 16containing, as will be described in detail hereinafter, a plurality ofaccessories in the form of electronic components for taking variousmeasurements/readings and/or for controlling various functions of thevehicle to which the system 10 is fitted. The accessory module assembly12 further comprises a cover assembly 18 detachably connected to theframe assembly 16, and located in use between the frame assembly 16 andthe windscreen (not shown) of the vehicle. The cover assembly 18performs a number of functions, primarily to shield from view thevarious components or accessories contained within the accessory moduleassembly 12, when viewed from an exterior of the vehicle. In addition,the cover assembly 18 closely conforms to the shape of the windscreen inorder to provide an aesthetically pleasing fit between the accessorymodule assembly 12 and the windscreen, while also substantiallypreventing the ingress of contaminants between the windscreen and thecover assembly 18, which might otherwise adversely affect the operationof one or more of the accessories which communication with and/orthrough the windscreen. These functions, and others, will be describedin greater detail hereinafter.

The accessory module assembly 12 may be mounted against the windscreenby any suitable means, for example using an adhesive or the like.However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the system 10comprises an attachment member comprising three discrete fixing elementsin the form of rails 20 which in use are mounted to the vehiclewindscreen by an adhesive or the like. There could of course be more orless rails 20 if desired or required. The frame assembly 16 comprises amounting portion in the form of three correspondingly positionedrecesses 22 for receiving the rails 20, the frame assembly 16 and rails20 preferably having co-operating retention means (not shown) such asclips or the like, in order to secure the frame assembly 16 to the rails20, and therefore the vehicle windscreen. Alternatively a screw (notshown) or similar fastener element may be passed through the frameassembly 16 and into the respective rail 20. In order to simplify theprocess of fitting the rails 20 to the windscreen, and to eliminate thepossibility of inaccurate spacing between each of the three rails 20,the rails 20 are preferably initially located within a frame or jig (notshown) which accurately positions the rails 20 with respect to oneanother. The frame or jig can then be positioned against the windscreenin order to simultaneously position each of the rails 20, at the correctpositions, in contact with the windscreen, to be suitably secured inplace, preferably by means of a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, therails 20 could be formed integrally with such a frame or jig, whichcould then, with the rails 20 fixed to the windscreen, form a permanentsub-frame of the accessory module assembly 12. This arrangement greatlyimproves the tolerances achievable, while reducing the time andtherefore cost of fitting the rails 20 to the windscreen. Further timeand cost savings can then be expected when it comes to fitting the frameassembly 16 to the rails 20, as the elimination of inaccuracies inspacing between the rails 20 will ensure that the frames 16 consistentlyand accurately fit into position about the rails 20. It will also beapparent that any other fixing elements may be employed to allow themodule assembly 12 to be secured against the vehicle windscreen.

On the cabin facing side of the accessory module assembly 12, there isprovided an outer casing 24 surrounding the frame assembly 16 with asupport bracket 26 projecting from the frame assembly 16, through theouter casing 24, to which the mirror assembly 14 is connected,preferably by a ball and socket joint or the like. As the rails 20 areall recessed inwardly of the frame assembly 16, and with the outercasing 24 in place, the accessory module assembly 12 is given a“floating” appearance from the vehicle interior. For ease ofinstallation, the outer casing 24 is preferably provided in two parts,as illustrated in FIG. 4, allowing the two parts to be quickly andeasily installed/removed on the module assembly 12. Any suitable meansmay be provided to secure the two parts together, in addition tosecuring the outer casing 24 to the module assembly 12.

Optionally, accessory module assembly 12 may be a stand-alone moduleassembly that is separate and distinct from the interior rearview mirrorof the vehicle. If so, it may be desirable to include a mirror mountingbutton as part of accessory module assembly 12 so that an interiormirror assembly can be attached thereto in a “button-on-button”attachment manner such as is disclosed in the likes of U.S. Pat. No.6,968,736; U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,281; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268 (theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein). In this regard, inclusion of a rain sensor (whether contactingor non-contacting such as a capacitive rain sensor being developed byPreh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG of Bad Neustadt, Germany) is contemplated.

Turning then to the interior of the accessory module assembly 12, and asmentioned above, a plurality of accessories or electronic components arehoused therein, for performing Various functions to and within thevehicle to improve the safety and/or comfort for the vehicle occupants.In the preferred embodiment illustrated, these accessories comprise acamera 28, a rain sensor assembly 30, a windscreen temperature sensorassembly 32, a closing velocity (CV) sensor assembly 34, and a compass36, the configuration and operation of each of which is described indetail below. As will also be described hereinafter, the frame assembly16 defines a site in the form of an enclosure 29 for the camera 28, asite in the form of a cradle 31 for the rain sensor assembly 30, a sitein the form of a sleeve 33 for the temperature sensor assembly 32, and asite in the form of an opening 35 for the CV sensor assembly 34. Compass36 preferably includes a compass sensor, such as a magneto-responsivesensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor,a magneto-inductive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or a flux gate sensorand/or a compass display, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,802,727, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference or in U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/636,931, filed Dec. 17, 2004, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

All of the above accessories, except the compass 36, require eitherdirect contact with the vehicle windscreen, or the ability tocommunicate, through the windscreen, with the exterior of the vehicle,for reasons set out hereinafter. Thus although the cover assembly 18masks the internal workings of the accessory module assembly 12 from theexterior of the vehicle, the cover assembly 18 is nevertheless providedwith a camera aperture 38 and associated channel 40, a rain sensoraperture 42, a windscreen temperature sensor aperture 44, a transmitteraperture 46 and associated channel 48, and a receiver aperture 50 andassociated channel 52. These apertures in the cover assembly 18 allowthe respective components to communicate with and/or through thewindscreen.

Turning firstly to the camera 28, and referring to FIG. 5, a pair oftabs 54 are provided, one on either side of the camera 28, to facilitateconnection of the camera 28 to the frame assembly 16. In the preferredembodiment illustrated, the site for the camera 28, in addition to theopening 29, comprises a pair of abutments 56 located on the frameassembly 16, to which abutments 56 the tabs 54 are secured by anysuitable means, for example screws or the like. When mounted asillustrated, the line of vision of the camera 28 is directed through thecamera aperture 38 in the cover assembly 18, along the correspondingchannel 40, and in use out through the windscreen of the vehicle. Thecamera 28 may then be employed as part of a collision avoidance systemfor the vehicle, by focusing the camera a suitable distance beyond thebonnet of the vehicle, with feedback from the camera then being employedto generate warning signals, preferably audio and/or visual warningsignals, if a collision seems imminent, or to actively intervene, forexample by lightly applying the brakes of the vehicle, in an attempt toavoid any such collision. Such a collision avoidance system in isolationis known, for example as produced by Delphi Automotive Systems of Troy,Mich., the United States.

Although in the embodiment illustrated the camera 28 is affixed to theframe assembly 16 via the tabs 54 and corresponding abutments 56, anyother suitable mounting means may be employed. For example it isenvisaged that connecting means (not shown) could be employed whichprovide the simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection of thecamera 28 to the frame assembly 16. The same arrangement could beemployed for the rain sensor assembly 30, window temperature sensorassembly 32 and the closing velocity sensor assembly 34. Such connectingmeans could for example employ magnetic elements to achieve both themechanical and electrical connection of one or more of the accessoriesinto the frame assembly 16. Such an arrangement is particularlyadvantageous where the accessory or associated Connection point is in anawkward or out of sight location.

When the module assembly 12 is fitted to a vehicle, it is necessary toconduct a final alignment of the camera 28 relative to the exterior ofthe vehicle, in particular the front of the bonnet. This final alignmentis however undertaken in a known manner using dedicated software, whichdoes not therefore require the physical adjustment of the camera 28within the module assembly 12. However, this final software effectedalignment is capable of achieving only a small range of adjustment inthe x, y and z directions. For this reason, it is desirable that theposition of the camera 28 can be physically adjusted within the frameassembly 16. This adjustment is preferably achieved at the point ofmounting the camera 28 to the frame assembly 16, and in the embodimentillustrated, via the tabs 54 and corresponding abutments 56, which maybe suitably modified, although not illustrated, to allow the simple x, yand z axes adjustment of the camera 28 relative to the frame assembly16. Alternatively, the adjustment may take the form of calibrating thecamera 28 to the frame assembly 16 by, for example, the addition orremoval of material such as shims or similar spacers (not shown) such asto achieve a combined tolerance for the camera 28 and frame assembly 16.It will of course be understood that any other suitable or equivalentarrangement could be employed to achieve this desired result. It willalso be appreciated that similar provisions could be employed for any ofthe other accessories within the system 10.

Turning then to the rain sensor assembly 30, the frame assembly 16 isprovided with the cradle 31 for receiving and retaining the rain sensorassembly 30. In order to function correctly, the rain sensor assembly 30must be urged, in use, against the vehicle windscreen with significantforce. Thus in use the rain sensor assembly 30 is pressed through therain sensor aperture 42 in the cover assembly 18. As no adhesive or thelike is to be utilized in securing the rain sensor assembly 30 to thewindscreen, the force to be applied to the rain sensor assembly 30 mustthus be applied by the frame assembly 16, via the cradle 31. For thisreason it is preferable that the frame assembly 16, and therefore thecradle 31, is formed from a substantially rigid material, for example ametal, and in particular die-cast aluminum or an alloy thereof. Theframe assembly 16 can then be mounted against the windscreen, therigidity thereof ensuring that the frame assembly 16 is capable ofapplying, and maintaining, a suitable force to the rain sensor assembly30 in order to urge same against the windscreen.

The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 32 is mounted within thesleeve 33 formed integrally with the frame assembly 16, with the freeend of the windscreen temperature sensor assembly 32 projecting throughthe windscreen temperature sensor aperture 44 to contact and be urgedagainst the interior surface of the vehicle windscreen. In this way, andas described in our co-pending International Patent Application No.PCT/EP2005/010071 (the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein), the temperature sensor assembly 32 can be used incombination with additional sensor assemblies (not shown) to predictinternal misting of the vehicle windshield, and take active steps toprevent such an occurrence, for example by activating an airconditioning system (not shown) of the vehicle. The temperature sensorassembly 32 may be spring biased within the sleeve 33, in order toensure that an intimate thermally conductive contact is made between thetemperature sensor assembly 32 and the windscreen.

The preferred closing velocity (CV) sensor assembly 34 utilizes a LIDAR(light detection and ranging) collision-avoidance detector whichoperates on a similar principle as radar. Basically, the CV sensorassembly 34 emits light, through the transmitter aperture 46 andassociated channel 48, through the vehicle windscreen, and forwardly ofthe vehicle. The transmitted light will then be reflected by a leadingvehicle if within a certain range, the reflected light being received bythe CV sensor assembly 34, via the receiver aperture 50 and associatedchannel 52. The CV sensor assembly 34 can then determine the velocityand range of a leading vehicle, and again take preventative measures toavoid a collision. Again this type of system is already in existence inisolation, for example as manufactured by Continental Temick. To improvethe performance/accuracy of the CV sensor assembly 34, it is desirableto substantially eliminate stray or background light being reflectedonto the CV sensor 34 from the walls of the channel 52, as this may leadto false or inaccurate readings. It is therefore preferable that thewalls of the channel 52 are coated or covered with a light absorbinglayer or film, which may be in the form of a paint, fabric, or any othersuitable coating.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the CV sensor assembly 34 isprovided prefixed in a custom molded housing 58 which can then quicklyand easily be located and secured within the opening 35 in the frameassembly 16. In Order to secure the housing 58 relative to the frameassembly 16, the housing 58 is provided with a plurality of tabs 60,with the cover assembly 18 comprising a mounting member in the form ofcorresponding slots 62 for receiving the tabs 60. The housing 58,containing the CV sensor assembly 34, can then quickly and easily beclipped onto the underside of the cover assembly 18, ensuring accuratealignment of the CV sensor assembly 34 with the transmitting andreceiving apertures 46, 50. Once the cover assembly 18 is mounted ontothe frame assembly 16, the housing 58, and therefore the CV sensorassembly 34, are positioned within the dedicated opening 35 in the frameassembly 16. It will of course be appreciated that any other suitablearrangement may be employed in order to secure the housing 58 relativeto the frame assembly 16. For example, the frame assembly 16 could beprovided with means for receiving the tabs 60.

The compass 36, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, is provided ona printed circuit board (PCB) mounted on the support bracket 26, whichthus acts as the site for the compass 36. It will of course beappreciated that the compass 36 could be located in any other suitableposition within the accessory module assembly 12. The outer casing 24 isthen provided with a window 37 formed therein, through which window 37the compass 36 is visible from an interior of the vehicle. The window 37could be enlarged to reveal a display from, or associated with, one ormore additional accessories (not shown), for example an environmentalcontrol system (not shown) including, for example, a cabin temperaturesensor assembly, a humidity sensor assembly, an exterior temperaturesensor assembly, a petrol gauge, or any other useful display. The system10 could also be adapted such that said enlarged display (not shown)could be provided as a separate add on module or component (not shown)which may be clipped or otherwise secured to the module assembly 12,preferably at or adjacent the site of the window 37, in order to beclearly visible to a vehicle occupant, above the mirror assembly 14.

In order to reduce the amount of wiring between a vehicle and theaccessory module system 10, an electrical terminal 64 is provided withinthe accessory module assembly 12, and in the embodiment illustrated isadjacent the rain sensor assembly 30. The terminal 64 is connected tothe vehicle via a single power and/or control cable, namely a firstpower/control input 66 which passes through the outer casing 24 asillustrated in FIG. 4, across the frame assembly 16, for connection withthe terminal 64. Extending out of the terminal 64 is a firstpower/control outlet 68 which connects to the CV sensor assembly 34, asecond power/control outlet 70 which connects to the rain sensorassembly 30, and a third power/control outlet 72 which extends into themirror assembly 14, in order to power/control any electronic componentscontained therein. Thus in this way a plurality of the accessoriescontained within the accessory module system 10 may bepowered/controlled from a single power/control input 66 provided to theaccessory module assembly 12, thereby greatly reducing the wiringrequirements between a vehicle and the accessory module system 10.

In the embodiment illustrated, the camera 28 employed utilizescomplimentary metal oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) circuitry andprocessing, and as a result requires a separate power/control supply tothe remaining accessories within the accessory module system 10. Thus inthe embodiment illustrated a second power/control input 74 is providedbetween the vehicle and the accessory module assembly 12, which againpasses through the outer casing 24, and terminates in a plug 76. Thecamera 28 is provided with a complimentary plug 78 which connects to theplug 76 in order to provide power/control to the camera 28. Thus theaccessory module system 10 requires only two wiring inputs in order tocontrol a plurality of accessories. If the camera 28 were omitted fromthe accessory module system 10, only a single electrical connectionwould be required between the vehicle and the accessory module system10. It will also be apparent that the terminal 64 could be modified tosupply power/control to more than the three accessories provided in thepreferred embodiment illustrated.

Indeed as the accessory module system 10, and in particular theaccessory module assembly 12, is designed to be modular in nature,allowing the inclusion or omission of one or more of the accessoriestherein, without affecting the operation of the remaining accessories,the primary function of the terminal 64 is to allow a single incomingwiring configuration to be utilized with the accessory module system 10,regardless of the internal configuration of accessories contained withinthe accessory module assembly 12. If more or less accessories areutilized than in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the firstpower/control outlet 68, second outlet 70 and third outlet 72, whichtogether form an internal wiring harness for the accessory moduleassembly 12, need simply be replaced with a suitably modified version ofsame in order to accommodate the array of accessories to be utilized.

Communication between the accessories within the accessory moduleassembly 12 and the vehicle systems to be controlled by same, inaddition to communication between the accessories within the accessorymodule assembly 12 and the mirror assembly 14, may take a number offorms, for example using Bluetooth® technology, infrared (IR), orradiofrequency (RF) applications. Such wireless communication willsimplify the wiring harness to be used within and to the accessorymodule system 10, and therefore also give greater flexibility to thesystem 10 in terms of the interchangeability of accessories that can beemployed within the system 10. Hard wiring will still have to beemployed to power the various accessories. However, the various wirescould be replaced with a network of electrically conductive stripsrouted internally of the module assembly 12, with each branch or strip(not shown) being contacted by the respective accessory or a terminalthereof upon the location of the accessory within the frame assembly 16.

If the number of accessories contained within the accessory moduleassembly 12 is to be varied, it is preferable to provide a suitablymodified cover assembly (not shown) to replace the cover assembly 18,which modified cover assembly can then be provided with the correctarrangement of apertures therein to correspond to the accessories beingutilized. It will therefore be appreciated that the accessory modulesystem 10 is modular in form and function.

As detailed above, due to the requirement for the rain sensor assembly30 and the temperature sensor assembly 32 to be pressed against thewindscreen with significant force, the frame assembly 16 is preferablyformed from a substantially rigid material such as a metal or the like.For this reason, and as a result of manufacturing tolerances both inproducing the accessory module system 10, and in producing the vehiclewindscreen, the shape of the frame assembly 16 is unlikely to exactlymatch that of the curved windscreen of the vehicle, which may thereforeresult in slight gaps being present between the frame assembly 16 andthe windscreen, negatively affecting the aesthetics of the accessorymodule system 10 when fitted. In addition, such gaps may allow theingress of dirt/dust or the like contaminants between the windscreen andthe module assembly 12, which may then obscure the vision of one or moreof the accessories. For this reason, the cover assembly 18 is preferablyformed from a resiliently deformable material, and is thus capable ofdeforming to conform substantially precisely to the shape of thewindscreen, regardless of any slight deviations in dimensions due tomanufacturing tolerances. Thus from the exterior of the vehicle thecover assembly 18 will provide the appearance of forming a perfect matchbetween the accessory module assembly 12 and the vehicle windscreen,which should therefore prevent any dirt/dust from migrating between thewindscreen and the module assembly 12. Although not illustrated in thepreferred embodiment, it is also envisaged that the cover assembly 18 beresiliently or spring-mounted to the frame assembly 16, in order, inuse, to actively urge the cover assembly 18 against the windscreen, inorder to fully conform to the shape thereof.

The system 10 also preferably comprises the use of a frit (not shown) onthe vehicle windscreen (not shown), at the position at which theaccessory module assembly 12 is mounted. The frit should then beprovided with clear areas corresponding in position and shape to theapertures and/or channels formed in the cover assembly 18.

Due to the position of the accessory module assembly 12 on thewindscreen or other window of a vehicle, the accessory module assembly12 will be subjected, in use, to significant incident radiation, inparticular solar radiation, which could result in heating of theaccessory module assembly 12, possibly adversely affecting theaccessories contained therein. For this reason, the cover assembly 18preferably comprises a heat deflecting material, more preferably amaterial having a heat deflection temperature of at least 75° C., morepreferably at least 85° C., and most preferably at least 105° C.

In certain environmental conditions, it is possible that the area ofwindscreen effectively enclosed by the module assembly 12, and inparticular by the various apertures in the cover assembly 18, may becomemisted/fogged, or otherwise obscured, thereby negatively affecting theperformance of the various accessories in the system 10, which generallyrequire a clear field of vision through the windscreen in order toperform effectively. In order to prevent such an occurrence, andreferring to FIG. 6, the module assembly 12 is preferably provided witha first fluid impermeable gasket 80 surrounding the camera aperture 38and associated channel 40, and a second fluid impermeable gasket 82surrounding the transmitter aperture 46 and associated channel 48 andthe receiver aperture 50 and associated channel 52. These gaskets 80, 82form, in use, a seal with the windscreen to prevent the ingress ofmoisture and/or dirt into the spaces defined by the above mentionedchannels 40, 48, 52, in order to prevent the formation/accumulation ofmist/fog or dirt therein.

As a further measure, it is proposed that a respective vent or port (notshown) be provided, communicating with the otherwise sealed space orcavity defined by the gaskets 80, 82 and respective channels 40, 48, 52,said ports having a gas permeable but fluid impermeable barrier ormembrane, in order to allow air into and out of the spaces, but toprevent moisture from reaching said spaces. Such a breathable membranecould be formed from Goretex® or the like.

In the absence of such a membrane, the air being channeled through therespective port could be directed over a relatively cool surface, forexample the metal frame assembly 16, which would then cause asignificant portion of any water vapor in the air to condense out ontothe relatively cool surface, thus reducing or eliminating the occurrenceof misting/fogging in said spaces. Alternatively the air may bechanneled through a suitably designed baffle (not shown) which isadapted to permit the passage of heated air, but not any moisturecontained therein, to reach the otherwise sealed spaces defined by thegaskets 80, 82. This ability to heat or otherwise control theenvironmental conditions within these spaces is particularly importantwhen a vehicle is operating in cold climates, where frost may form onthe outer surface of the vehicle windscreen. In order for the variousaccessories, in particular the camera 28 and CV sensor assembly 34, tohave a clear view through the windscreen in order to operate correctly,the frost must first be cleared from the windscreen. This is normallyachieved using heated air blown up and along the interior surface of thewindscreen form the vehicles air conditioning system, which heats thewindscreen through to the outer surface, thereby dispersing or meltingthe frost. However as a result of the gaskets 80, 82, this heated aircannot reach the areas of the windscreen through which the camera 28 andCV sensor assembly 34 look, and these areas must therefore be heatedfrom within the module assembly 12 as described above.

It will of course be appreciated that any other measure may be taken toreduce or eliminate misting, fogging or frost on that portion of thewindscreen against which the module assembly 12 is seated.

The accessory module assembly 12 can house a large array of sensorassemblies and other components, other than those describe in detailabove, for example a cabin temperature sensor assembly, a cabin humiditysensor assembly, an ambient light and a glare sensor assembly for anelectrochromic (EC) mirror cell, a phone system, petrol gauge display,and any other desired components or accessories. Many of theseaccessories were previously housed with a vehicles rearview mirror, andthus the provision of the accessory module assembly 12 can generate arelatively large amount of free space within the vehicles rearviewmirror assembly. As a result, the mirror assembly 14 could besignificantly reduced in size, in particular in depth or thickness, andespecially where an EC cell is employed, thereby providing anaesthetically pleasing appearance. Alternatively or simultaneously, thisadditional space may be used to apply one or more digital displays tothe rear of the EC cell, which can then display information, through theEC cell, to a driver or passenger of the vehicle.

It will thus be appreciated that the accessory module system 10 of thepresent invention provides a convenient location in which to house alarge array of accessories and/or sensors or the like, and which ismodular in terms of the combination of said accessories which may behoused within same.

The accessory module or system 10 of the present invention may utilizeaspects of other accessory modules or windshield electronics modules orthe like, such as modules of the types described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/958,087, filed Oct. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,188,963; Ser. No. 10/456,599, filed Jun. 6, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,004,593; and/or Ser. No. 11/201,661, filed Aug. 11, 2005, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,480,149, and/or U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,824,281; 6,690,268;6,250,148; 6,341,523; 6,593,565; 6,428,172; 6,501,387; 6,329,925; and6,326,613, and/or in PCT Application No. PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19,2003 and published Jul. 15, 2004 as International Publication No. WO2004/058540, and/or Ireland pat. applications, Ser. No. S2004/0614,filed Sep. 15, 2004; Ser. No. S2004/0838, filed Dec. 14, 2004; and Ser.No. S2004/0840, filed Dec. 15, 2004, which are all hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

The interior rearview mirror assembly 14 of the accessory module system10 may include an electro-optic reflective element or a prismaticreflective element. For example, the reflective element may comprise anelectro-optic or electrochromic reflective element assembly or cell, andthe electrochromic reflective element assembly of the electrochromicmirror assembly may utilize the principles disclosed in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,690,268; 5,140,455; 5,151,816; 6,178,034;6,154,306; 6,002,544; 5,567,360; 5,525,264; 5,610,756; 5,406,414;5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012; 5,117,346; 5,724,187; 5,668,663;5,910,854; 5,142,407; 5,142,406; 5,442,478; and/or 4,712,879, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference, and/or as disclosed in thefollowing publications: N. R. Lynam, “Electrochrornic AutomotiveDay/Night Mirrors”, SAE Technical Paper Series 870636 (1987); N. R.Lynam, “Smart Windows for Automobiles”, SAE Technical Paper Series900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam and A. Agrawal, “Automotive Applications ofChromogenic Materials”, Large Area Chromogenics: Materials and Devicesfor Transmittance Control, C. M. Lampert and C. G. Granquist, EDS.,Optical Engineering Press, Wash. (1990), which are hereby incorporatedby reference herein; and/or as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,381, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, theelectrochromic circuitry and/or a glare sensor (such as a rearwardfacing glare sensor that receives light from rearward of the mirrorassembly and vehicle through a port or opening along the casing and/orbezel portion and/or reflective element of the mirror assembly) andcircuitry and/or an ambient light sensor and circuitry may be providedon one or more circuit boards of the mirror assembly.

The mirror assembly 14 may include one or more other displays, such asthe types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,240 and/or 6,329,925, whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference, and/or display-on-demandtransflective type displays, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,690,268; 5,668,663 and/or 5,724,187, and/or in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,195,381; Ser. No. 10/528,269, filed Mar. 17, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,274,501; Ser. No. 10/533,762, filed May 4, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,184,190; Ser. No. 10/538,724, filed Jun. 13, 2005 and published Mar.9, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. 2006/0050018; Ser. No. 11/021,065, filedDec. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,451; and/or Ser. No. 11/226,628,filed Sep. 14, 2005 and published Mar. 23, 2006 as U.S. Publication No.2006/0061008; PCT Application No. PCT/US03/29776, filed Sep. 9, 2003 andpublished Apr. 1, 2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/026633;PCT Application No. PCT/US03/35381, filed Nov. 5, 2003 and published May21, 2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/042457; and/or PCTApplication No. PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published Jul.15, 2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/058540, which are allhereby incorporated herein by reference.

Optionally, the mirror assembly 14 may comprise a prismatic mirrorassembly, such as a prismatic mirror assembly utilizing aspectsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,318,870; 6,598,980; 5,327,288; 4,948,242;4,826,289; 4,436,371; and 4,435,042; and PCT Application No.PCT/US04/015424, filed May 18, 2004 and published on Dec. 2, 2004, asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/103772; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/933,842, filed Sep. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,249,860, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.Optionally, the prismatic reflective element may comprise a conventionalprismatic reflective element or prism, or may comprise a prismaticreflective element of the types described in PCT Application No.PCT/US03/29776, filed Sep. 19, 2003 and published on Apr. 1, 2004, asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/026633; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/709,434, filed May 5, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,756;Ser. No. 10/933,842, filed Sep. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,249,860;Ser. No. 11/021,065, filed Dec. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,451;Ser. No. 10/528,269, filed Mar. 17, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,274,501;and/or Ser. No. 10/993,302, filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,338,177, and/or PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/015424, filed May 18,2004 and published on Dec. 2, 2004, as International Publication No. WO2004/103772, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference,without affecting the scope of the present invention. A variety ofmirror accessories and constructions are known in the art, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,555,136; 5,582,383; 5,680,263; 5,984,482;6,227,675; 6,229,319; and 6,315,421 the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein), that can benefit from thepresent invention. Optionally, the mirror assembly 14 may comprise anelectro-optic or electrochromic reflective element assembly, asdiscussed below.

Optionally, the accessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 and/oraccessory module system 10 may include one or more displays, such as forthe accessories or circuitry described herein. The displays may besimilar to those described above, or may be of types disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,530,240 and/or 6,329,925, which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference, or may be display-on-demand or transflective typedisplays or other displays, such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,690,268; 5,668,663 and/or 5,724,187, and/or in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,195,381; Ser. No. 11/021,065, filed Dec. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,255,451; Ser. No. 11/226,628, filed Sep. 14, 2005 and published Mar.23, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. 2006/0061008; Ser. No. 10/993,302,filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,177; and/or Ser. No.11/284,543, filed Nov. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,983, and/or PCTApplication No. PCT/US03/29776, filed Sep. 9, 2003 and published Apr. 1,2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/026633; and/or PCTApplication No. PCT/US03/35381, filed Nov. 5, 2003 and published May 21,2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/042457; and/or U.S.provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/630,061, filed Nov. 22, 2004 byLynam et al. for MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH VIDEO DISPLAY; Ser. No.60/667,048, filed Mar. 31, 2005 by Lynam et al. for MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITHVIDEO DISPLAY; Ser. No. 60/629,926, filed Nov. 22, 2004 by McCabe et al.for METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ELECTRO-OPTIC MIRROR CELL; Ser. No.60/531,838, filed Dec. 23, 2003; Ser. No. 60/553,842, filed Mar. 17,2004; Ser. No. 60/563,342, filed Apr. 19, 2004; Ser. No. 60/681,250,filed May 16, 2005; Ser. No. 60/690,400, filed Jun. 14, 2005; Ser. No.60/695,149, filed Jun. 29, 2005; and/or Ser. No. 60/717,093, filed Sep.14, 2005 by Lynam; Ser. No. 60/730,334, filed Oct. 26, 2005 by Baur forVEHICLE MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH INDICIA AT REFLECTIVE ELEMENT; and/or Ser.No. 60/732,245, filed Nov. 1, 2005, and/or PCT Application No.PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published Jul. 15, 2004 asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/058540, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference, or may include or incorporate videodisplays or the like, such as the types described in PCT Application No.PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published Jul. 15, 2004 asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/058540, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/284,543, filed Nov. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,983,and/or U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/630,061, filed Nov.22, 2004 by Lynam et al. for MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH VIDEO DISPLAY; andSer. No. 60/667,048, filed Mar. 31, 2005 by Lynam et al. for MIRRORASSEMBLY WITH VIDEO DISPLAY, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Optionally, the display and inputs may be associated with variousaccessories or systems, such as, for example, a tire pressure monitoringsystem or a passenger air bag status or a garage door opening system ora telematics system or any other accessory or system of the mirrorassembly or of the vehicle or of an accessory module or console of thevehicle, such as an accessory module or console of the types describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,690,268; 6,672,744; 6,386,742; and 6,124,886, and/orU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/739,766, filed. Dec. 18, 2003, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,877,888; and/or Ser. No. 10/355,454, filed Jan. 31,2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,281, and/or PCT Application No.PCT/US03/03012, filed Jan. 31, 2003 and published on Aug. 7, 2003 asInternational Publication No. WO 03/065084, and/or PCT Application No.PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published on Jul. 15, 2004 asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/058540, and/or PCT Application No.PCT/US04/15424, filed May 18, 2004 and published on Dec. 2, 2004, asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/103772, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Optionally, the accessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 maysupport one or more other accessories or features, such as one or moreelectrical or electronic devices or accessories. For example,illumination sources or lights, such as map reading lights or one ormore other lights or illumination sources, such as illumination sourcesof the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,690,268; 5,938,321;5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756; 5,178,448; 5,671,996;4,646,210; 4,733,336; 4,807,096; 6,042,253; 6,971,775; and/or 5,669,698,and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,381; and/or Ser. No. 10/933,842, filed Sep. 3,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,249,860, which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference, may be included in the mirror assembly. The illuminationsources and/or the circuit board may be connected to one or more buttonsor inputs for activating and deactivating the illumination sources.Optionally, the accessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 may alsoor otherwise include other accessories, such as microphones, such asanalog microphones or digital microphones or the like, such asmicrophones of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,003;6,278,377; and/or 6,420,975, and/or in PCT Application No.PCT/US03/308877, filed Oct. 1, 2003 and published Apr. 15, 2004 asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/032568. Optionally, the accessorymodule and/or mirror assembly may also or otherwise include otheraccessories, such as a telematics system, speakers, antennas, includingglobal positioning system (GPS) or cellular phone antennas, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552, a communication module, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688, a voice recorder, a blind spotdetection system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,929,786 and/or5,786,772, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/427,051, filedApr. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,577; and Ser. No. 10/209,173,filed Jul. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,287; and/or U.S.provisional application, Ser. No. 60/638,687, filed Dec. 23, 2004,transmitters and/or receivers, such as for a garage door opener or avehicle door unlocking system or the like (such as a remote keylessentry system), a digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,798,575, a high/low headlamp controller, such as a camera-basedheadlamp control, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,796,094 and/or5,715,093, a memory mirror system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,796,176, a hands-free phone attachment, an imaging system orcomponents or circuitry or display thereof, such as an imaging and/ordisplay system of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,690,268 and6,847,487; and/or U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/614,644,filed Sep. 30, 2004; Ser. No. 60/618,686, filed Oct. 14, 2004; Ser. No.60/628,709, filed Nov. 17, 2004; Ser. No. 60/644,903, filed Jan. 11,2005; Ser. No. 60/667,049, filed Mar. 31, 2005; and/or U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/105,757, filed Apr. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,526,103; and/or Ser. No. 11/239,980, filed Sep. 30, 2005, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,881,496, a slide out or extendable/retractable video deviceor module, such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/284,543, filed Nov. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,983, U.S.provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/630,061, filed Nov. 22, 2004;and/or Ser. No. 60/667,048, filed Mar. 31, 2005; and/or PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published Jul. 15, 2004 asInternational Publication No. WO 2004/058540, a video device forinternal cabin surveillance (such as for sleep detection or driverdrowsiness detection or the like) and/or video telephone function, suchas disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and/or 5,877,897, a remotekeyless entry receiver, a seat occupancy detector, a remote startercontrol, a yaw sensor, a clock, a carbon monoxide detector, statusdisplays, such as displays that display a status of a door of thevehicle, a transmission selection (4wd/2wd or traction control (TCS) orthe like), an antilock braking system, a road condition (that may warnthe driver of icy road conditions) and/or the like, a trip computer, atire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) receiver (such as described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,124,647; 6,294,989; 6,445,287; 6,472,979; and/or6,731,205; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/232,324, filedSep. 21, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,423,522; and/or U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/611,796, filed Sep. 21, 2004), and/or an ONSTAR®system and/or any other accessory or circuitry or the like (with all ofthe above-referenced patents and PCT and U.S. patent applications beingcommonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, and with the disclosures ofthe referenced patents and patent applications being hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties).

Optionally, the accessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 mayaccommodate other accessories or circuitry or the like as well, such asa rain sensor or imaging device or the like. For example, the accessorymodule and/or mirror assembly may include a mounting portion (such asthe types described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/226,628,filed Sep. 14, 2005 and published Mar. 23, 2006 as U.S. Publication No.2006/0061008; and/or U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/692,113,filed Jun. 20, 2005; Ser. No. 60/677,990, filed May 5, 2005; Ser. No.60/653,787, filed Feb. 17, 2005; Ser. No. 60/642,227, filed Jan. 7,2005; Ser. No. 60/638,250, filed Dec. 21, 2004; Ser. No. 60/624,091,filed Nov. 1, 2004, and Ser. No. 60/609,642, filed Sep. 14, 2004, whichare all hereby incorporated herein by reference), and may include a rainsensor or the like and may position the rain sensor against thewindshield, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,250,148; 6,341,523;6,516,664; 6,968,736; and 6,824,281, and in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/958,087, filed Oct. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,963, whichare all hereby incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, theaccessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 may include an imagingdevice, such as an imaging array sensor for imaging systems of the typesdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,757,109; 6,717,610; 6,396,397; 6,201,642;6,353,392; 6,313,454; 6,396,397; 5,550,677; 5,670,935; 5,796,094;5,877,897; 6,097,023; and 6,498,620, and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/441,341, filed Nov. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,339,149, andSer. No. 10/427,051, filed Apr. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,577,which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Optionally, the accessory module 12 and/or mirror assembly 14 mayinclude one or more user inputs for controlling oractivating/deactivating one or more electrical accessories or devices ofor associated with the mirror assembly. The accessory module 12 and/ormirror assembly 14 may comprise any type of switches or buttons, such astouch or proximity sensing switches, such as touch or proximity switchesof the types described in PCT Application NO. PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec.19, 2003 and published Jul. 15, 2004 as International Publication No. WO2004/058540; and/or U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,001,486; 6,310,611; 6,320,282; and6,627,918; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/021,065, filedDec. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,451; and/or U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/817,874, filed Mar. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.7,224,324; Ser. No. 10/956,749, filed Oct. 1, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,446,924; Ser. No. 10/933,842, filed Sep. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,249,860; Ser. No. 11/021,065, filed Dec. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,255,451; and/or Ser. No. 11/140,396, filed May 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,360,932; and/or U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/563,342,filed Apr. 19, 2004 by Bareman et al. for METHOD OF MANUFACTURINGELECTRO-OPTIC MIRROR CELL, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference, or the inputs may comprise other types of buttons orswitches, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/029,695, filed Jan. 5, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,253,723; and/or U.S.provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/553,517, filed Mar. 16, 2004; Ser.No. 60/535,559, filed Jan. 9, 2004; Ser. No. 60/690,401, filed Jun. 14,2005; and Ser. No. 60/719,482, filed Sep. 22, 2005, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference, or such as fabric-made positiondetectors, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,504,531;6,501,465; 6,492,980; 6,452,479; 6,437,258; and 6,369,804, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference. Other types of switches orbuttons or inputs or sensors may be incorporated to provide the desiredfunction, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the user inputs or buttons may comprise user inputs for agarage door opening system, such as a vehicle based garage door openingsystem of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,408; 6,362,771;and 5,798,688, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,736, filedFeb. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,023,322; and/or U.S. provisionalapplications, Ser. No. 60/502,806, filed Sep. 12, 2003 by Taylor et al.for GARAGE DOOR OPENING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE; and Ser. No. 60/444,726,filed Feb. 4, 2003 by Baumgardner et al. for GARAGE DOOR OPENING SYSTEMFOR VEHICLE, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The userinputs may also or otherwise function to activate and deactivate adisplay or function or accessory, and/or may activate/deactivate and/orcommence a calibration of a compass system of the mirror assembly and/orvehicle. The compass system may include compass sensors and circuitrywithin the mirror assembly or within a compass pod or module at or nearor associated with the mirror assembly. Optionally, the user inputs mayalso or otherwise comprise user inputs for a telematics system of thevehicle, such as, for example, an ONSTAR® system as found in GeneralMotors vehicles and/or such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,594;4,937,945; 5,131,154; 5,255,442; 5,632,092; 5,798,688; 5,971,552;5,924,212; 6,243,003; 6,278,377; 6,420,975; 6,946,978; and 6,477,464;and/or 6,678,614; and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/456,599,filed Jun. 6, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,593; Ser. No. 10/645,762,filed Aug. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,167,796; and Ser. No.10/964,512, filed Oct. 13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,341; and/or PCTApplication No. PCT/US03/40611, filed Dec. 19, 2003 and published Jul.15, 2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/058540, and/or PCTApplication No. PCT/US03/308877, filed Oct. 1, 2003 and published May21, 2004 as International Publication No. WO 2004/042457, which are allhereby incorporated herein by reference.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An accessory mounting system suitable foruse in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising: a vehiclewindshield; a plurality of individual fixing elements adhesivelyattached at a surface of said vehicle windshield; wherein said fixingelements are spaced apart from one another at said surface of saidvehicle windshield; wherein each of said fixing elements comprises abase portion that is directly adhesively attached by an adhesive at saidsurface of said vehicle windshield and an elongated portion that extendsfrom said base portion in a direction away from said vehicle windshield;a frame comprising a plurality of individual receiving portions; whereinsaid receiving portions are spaced apart from one another in a mannerthat corresponds with the spacing apart of said fixing elements; whereineach one of said receiving portions is configured to receive theelongated portion of a respective and corresponding one of said fixingelements; wherein said elongated portions of said fixing elements are atleast partially received in respective and corresponding ones of saidreceiving portions of said frame and cooperate with said receivingportions to attach said frame at said vehicle windshield; wherein saidframe comprises structure for receiving an accessory thereat; saidaccessory comprising a camera; wherein, when said accessory is receivedat said structure of said frame, the line of vision of said camerapasses through an aperture existing in said frame; and wherein, withsaid frame attached at said vehicle windshield, the line of vision ofsaid camera passes through said vehicle windshield.
 2. The accessorymounting system of claim 1, wherein the base portion of an individualfixing element has an attaching surface area that is larger than thecross sectional area of the elongated portion that extends from the baseportion of that individual fixing element.
 3. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein each of said individual fixing elementscomprises a rail.
 4. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of individual fixing elements comprises at least threeindividual fixing elements and wherein said plurality of individualreceiving portions comprises at least three individual receivingportions.
 5. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, comprising amirror assembly detachably attachable at said frame.
 6. The accessorymounting system of claim 5, wherein said mirror assembly is inelectrical communication with at least one (i) said frame when attachedthereto and (ii) an accessory accommodated by said frame when attachedthereto.
 7. The accessory mounting system of claim 5, wherein said frameincludes a mirror mounting button and wherein said mirror assemblydetachably attaches to said mirror mounting button.
 8. The accessorymounting system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a pivotelement.
 9. The accessory mounting system of claim 8, wherein a mirrorassembly pivots about said pivot element.
 10. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 9, wherein said pivot element comprises a ball pivotelement.
 11. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein saidframe comprises a first portion and a second portion.
 12. The accessorymounting system of claim 11, wherein said first portion comprises acover portion.
 13. The accessory mounting system of claim 12, whereinsaid cover portion comprises a resiliently deformable materialconformable to a shape of said vehicle windshield.
 14. The accessorymounting system of claim 12, wherein at least one of (a) said coverportion comprises a resiliently deformable material conformable to ashape of said vehicle windshield, (b) said cover portion is configuredto substantially reduce ingress of contaminants between said frame andsaid vehicle windshield, (c) said cover portion provides anaesthetically pleasing fit to said vehicle windshield when said frame isattached via said fixing elements at said vehicle windshield and (d)said cover portion shields from view at least some components supportedby said frame.
 15. The accessory mounting system of claim 12, whereinsaid cover portion is urged, in use, against said surface of saidvehicle windshield.
 16. The accessory mounting system of claim 11,wherein said second portion comprises said structure for receiving saidaccessory.
 17. The accessory mounting system of claim 16, wherein saidsecond portion comprises metal.
 18. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 16, wherein said second portion comprise at least one of (i)metal, (ii) a metal alloy, (iii) a die casting, (iv) die cast aluminumand (v) die cast aluminum alloy.
 19. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 11, wherein said first portion comprises a resiliently deformablematerial.
 20. The accessory mounting system of claim 11, wherein saidfirst portion is detachably attachable to said second portion.
 21. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 20, wherein said first portion isconformable to a shape of said vehicle windshield.
 22. The accessorymounting system of claim 11, wherein said aperture in said frame passesthrough said first portion and said second portion.
 23. The accessorymounting system of claim 22, wherein said vehicle windshield comprises alight absorbing layer having a light transmissive aperture thatgenerally corresponds with said aperture in said frame when said frameis attached at said vehicle windshield.
 24. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 23, wherein the line of vision of said camera passesthrough both said aperture in said frame and said light transmissiveaperture in said light absorbing layer when said accessory is receivedat said structure of said frame.
 25. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein said vehicle windshield comprises a light absorbinglayer having a light transmissive aperture that generally correspondswith said aperture in said frame when said frame is attached at saidvehicle windshield.
 26. The accessory mounting system of claim 25,wherein the line of vision of said camera passes through both saidaperture in said frame and said light transmissive aperture in saidlight absorbing layer when said accessory is received at said structureof said frame.
 27. The accessory mounting system of claim 25, whereinsaid light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer.
 28. The accessorymounting system of claim 25, wherein said light transmissive aperture insaid light absorbing layer corresponds in position and shape to saidaperture in said frame when said frame is attached at said vehiclewindshield via said fixing elements and when said accessory is receivedat said structure of said frame.
 29. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of structures forreceiving a plurality of accessories thereat.
 30. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 29, wherein one of said plurality of structures at saidframe is configured for modular location of said accessory.
 31. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 30, wherein another of said pluralityof structures at said frame is configured for modular location ofanother accessory selected from the group consisting of (i) a rainsensor, (ii) a temperature sensor, (iii) a closing velocity sensor, (iv)a compass, (v) a sensor and (vi) a window temperature sensor.
 32. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises aplurality of sites for modular location of accessories at said frame.33. The accessory mounting system of claim 32, wherein a first site ofsaid plurality of sites is configured for modular location at said frameof said accessory, and wherein said first site includes structure tosupport said accessory so that said camera has a desired forward line ofvision through said aperture in said frame and through said vehiclewindshield when said accessory is received at said first site at saidframe and with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield.
 34. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 33, wherein structure of saidaccessory is configured to attach at a corresponding structure at saidfirst site at said frame.
 35. The accessory mounting system of claim 34,wherein said structure of said accessory comprises at least one tab andwherein said corresponding structure at said first site at said framecomprises at least one abutment.
 36. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 35, wherein a tab of said accessory secures to an abutment at saidframe.
 37. The accessory mounting system of claim 33, wherein a secondsite of said plurality of sites at said frame is configured for modularlocation of a rain sensor and wherein another aperture through saidframe is located at said second site, and wherein said second site atsaid frame includes structure to support said rain sensor so that saidrain sensor is properly aligned at said another aperture when said rainsensor is received at said second site at said frame and with said frameattached at said vehicle windshield.
 38. The accessory mounting systemof claim 37, wherein said plurality of sites comprises at least a thirdsite and wherein said at least a third site is configured for modularlocation of at least one of (i) a sensor, (ii) a temperature sensor,(iii) a window temperature sensor, (iv) a compass sensor, (v) a closingvelocity sensor assembly, (vi) a communications assembly, (vii) atransmitter, (viii) a receiver, (ix) a light sensor, (x) a humiditysensor assembly and (xi) a display assembly.
 39. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 32, wherein at least one of said plurality of sitescomprises a connector configured to provide at least one of mechanicaland electrical connection for a corresponding accessory received at saidsite at said frame.
 40. The accessory mounting system of claim 32,wherein at least one of said plurality of sites comprises structure foradjusting a position of an accessory disposed at said site.
 41. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory mountingsystem is separate from an interior rearview mirror assembly of avehicle equipped with said accessory mounting system.
 42. The accessorymounting system of claim 1, wherein said camera comprises a part of acollision avoidance system of the equipped vehicle.
 43. The accessorymounting system of claim 42, wherein said camera provides a feed for atleast one of (a) a visual warning, (b) an audio warning and (c) abraking system.
 44. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, whereinsaid camera comprises a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)imager.
 45. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, including an outercasing that covers said frame and said accessory received thereat. 46.The accessory mounting system of claim 45, wherein wiring carrying atleast one of power and a control input passes through said outer casing.47. The accessory mounting system of claim 45, wherein said outer casingis provided in two parts.
 48. The accessory mounting system of claim 47,wherein, with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield, said partscan be joined together to cover said frame and said accessory receivedthereat.
 49. The accessory mounting system of claim 47, wherein, withsaid frame attached at said vehicle windshield, said joined-togetherparts can be separated to uncover said frame and said accessory receivedthereat.
 50. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, includingventilation means.
 51. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, whereinsaid frame comprises structures for receiving a plurality of accessoriesthereat, and wherein one of said accessories comprises said accessory.52. The accessory mounting system of claim 51, wherein another of saidaccessories comprises a rain sensor.
 53. The accessory mounting systemof claim 52, wherein said rain sensor is received at a cradleestablished at said frame.
 54. The accessory mounting system of claim51, wherein, in a vehicle equipped with said accessory mounting system,no more than two wiring inputs are utilized to control said plurality ofaccessories.
 55. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein saidaccessory comprising said camera is provided with a plug and wherein,when said accessory comprising said camera is received at said structureof said frame, said plug connects with another plug in order to provideat least one of power and control to said camera.
 56. An accessorymounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mountingsystem comprising: a vehicle windshield; a plurality of individualfixing elements adhesively attached at a surface of said vehiclewindshield; wherein said fixing elements are spaced apart from oneanother at said surface of said vehicle windshield; wherein each of saidfixing elements comprises a base portion that is directly adhesivelyattached by an adhesive at said surface of said vehicle windshield andan elongated portion that extends from said base portion in a directionaway from said vehicle windshield; a frame comprising a plurality ofindividual receiving portions; wherein said receiving portions arespaced apart from one another in a manner that corresponds with thespacing apart of said fixing elements; wherein each one of saidreceiving portions is configured to receive the elongated portion of arespective and corresponding one of said fixing elements; wherein saidelongated portions of said fixing elements are at least partiallyreceived in respective and corresponding ones of said receiving portionsof said frame and cooperate with said receiving portions to attach saidframe at said vehicle windshield; wherein the base portion of anindividual fixing element has an attaching surface area that is largerthan the cross sectional area of the elongated portion that extends fromthe base portion of that individual fixing element; wherein said framecomprises structure for receiving an accessory thereat; said accessorycomprising a camera; wherein, when said accessory is received at saidstructure of said frame, the line of vision of said camera passesthrough an aperture existing in said frame; wherein said vehiclewindshield comprises a light absorbing layer having a light transmissiveaperture generally corresponding with said aperture in said frame whensaid frame is attached at said vehicle windshield; and wherein the lineof vision of said camera passes through both said aperture in said frameand said light transmissive aperture in said light absorbing layer ofsaid vehicle windshield when said accessory comprising said camera isreceived at said structure of said frame and with said frame attached atsaid vehicle windshield.
 57. The accessory mounting system of claim 56,wherein said light transmissive aperture in said light absorbing layercorresponds in position and shape to said aperture in said frame whensaid frame is attached at said vehicle windshield via said fixingelements and when said accessory is received at said structure of saidframe.
 58. The accessory mounting system of claim 56, wherein said lightabsorbing layer comprises a frit layer.
 59. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 56, wherein said plurality of individual fixing elementscomprises at least three individual fixing elements and wherein saidplurality of individual receiving portions comprises at least threeindividual receiving portions.
 60. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 56, wherein said camera comprises a part of a collision avoidancesystem of a vehicle equipped with said accessory mounting system. 61.The accessory mounting system of claim 56, wherein said camera providesa feed for at least one of (a) a visual warning, (b) an audio warningand (c) a braking system.
 62. The accessory mounting system of claim 56,wherein said camera comprises a complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS) imager.
 63. The accessory mounting system of claim 56, includingan outer casing that covers said frame and said accessory receivedthereat.
 64. The accessory mounting system of claim 63, wherein wiringcarrying at least one of power and a control input passes through saidouter casing.
 65. The accessory mounting system of claim 64, whereinsaid outer casing is provided in two parts and wherein, with said frameattached at said vehicle windshield, said parts can be joined togetherto cover said frame and said accessory received thereat, and wherein,with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield, saidjoined-together parts can be separated to uncover said frame and saidaccessory received thereat.
 66. The accessory mounting system of claim56, wherein said frame comprises structure for receiving at least oneother accessory thereat.
 67. The accessory mounting system of claim 66,wherein said other accessory comprises a rain sensor and wherein anotheraperture through said frame is located at where said rain sensor isreceived at said frame.
 68. The accessory mounting system of claim 66,wherein said other accessory is selected from the group consisting of(i) a temperature sensor, (ii) a closing velocity sensor, (iii) acompass, (iv) a sensor and (v) a window temperature sensor.
 69. Anaccessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessorymounting system comprising: a vehicle windshield; a plurality of fixingelements directly adhesively attached by an adhesive at a surface ofsaid vehicle windshield; wherein said fixing elements are spaced apartfrom one another at said surface of said vehicle windshield; a framecomprising a plurality of individual receiving portions; wherein saidreceiving portions are spaced apart from one another in a manner thatcorresponds with the spacing apart of said fixing elements; wherein eachone of said receiving portions is configured to at least partiallyreceive a respective and corresponding one of said fixing elements toattach said frame at said vehicle windshield; wherein said framecomprises structure for receiving an accessory; wherein said accessorycomprises a camera and wherein said structure is configured forreceiving said camera at said frame; wherein said camera comprises acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager; wherein, whensaid accessory is received at said structure of said frame, said camerahas its line of vision through an aperture existing in said frame;wherein said vehicle windshield comprises a light absorbing layer havinga light transmissive aperture generally corresponding with said aperturein said frame when said frame is attached at said vehicle windshield;and wherein the line of vision of said camera passes through both saidaperture in said frame and said light transmissive aperture in saidlight absorbing layer of said vehicle windshield when said accessorycomprising said camera is received at said structure of said frame andwith said frame attached at said vehicle windshield.
 70. The accessorymounting system of claim 69, wherein said frame comprises furtherstructure to receive another accessory and wherein said anotheraccessory is selected from the group consisting of (i) a rain sensor,(ii) a temperature sensor, (iii) a closing velocity sensor, (iv) acompass, (v) a sensor and (vi) a window temperature sensor.
 71. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 69, wherein said fixing elementscomprise individual fixing elements, each comprising a base portion thatis directly adhesively attached by the adhesive at said surface of saidvehicle windshield and an elongated portion that extends from said baseportion in a direction away from said vehicle windshield and whereinsaid elongated portions support said frame when said frame is attachedat said vehicle windshield.
 72. The accessory mounting system of claim69, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer.
 73. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 69, wherein said camera comprises apart of a collision avoidance system of a vehicle equipped with saidaccessory mounting system.
 74. The accessory mounting system of claim69, wherein said camera provides a feed for at least one of (a) a visualwarning, (b) an audio warning and (c) a braking system.
 75. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 69, including an outer casing thatcovers said frame and said accessory received thereat.
 76. The accessorymounting system of claim 75, wherein wiring carrying at least one ofpower and a control input passes through said outer casing.
 77. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 75, wherein said outer casing isprovided in two parts and wherein, with said frame attached at saidvehicle windshield, said parts can be joined together to cover saidframe and said accessory received thereat, and wherein, with said frameattached at said vehicle windshield, said joined-together parts can beseparated to uncover said frame and said accessory received thereat. 78.The accessory mounting system of claim 69, wherein said frame comprisesstructure for receiving a rain sensor and wherein another aperturethrough said frame is located at where said rain sensor is received atsaid frame.
 79. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in avehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising: a vehiclewindshield; a plurality of individual fixing elements adhesivelyattached at a surface of said vehicle windshield; wherein said fixingelements are spaced apart from one another at said surface of saidvehicle windshield; wherein each of said fixing elements comprises abase portion that is directly adhesively attached by an adhesive at saidsurface of said vehicle windshield and an elongated portion that extendsfrom said base portion in a direction away from said vehicle windshield;a frame comprising a plurality of individual receiving portions; whereinsaid receiving portions are spaced apart from one another in a mannerthat corresponds with the spacing apart of said fixing elements; whereineach one of said receiving portions is configured to receive theelongated portion of a respective and corresponding one of said fixingelements; wherein said elongated portions of said fixing elements are atleast partially received in respective and corresponding ones of saidreceiving portions of said frame and cooperate with said receivingportions to attach said frame at said vehicle windshield; said framecomprising structure for receiving an accessory; wherein said accessorycomprises a camera and wherein said structure is configured forreceiving said accessory at said frame; wherein said camera comprises acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager; wherein, whensaid accessory is received at said structure of said frame, said camerahas its line of vision through an aperture existing in said frame;wherein said vehicle windshield comprises a light absorbing layer havinga light transmissive aperture generally corresponding with said aperturein said frame when said frame is attached at said vehicle windshield;wherein the line of vision of said camera passes through both saidaperture in said frame and said light transmissive aperture in saidlight absorbing layer of said vehicle windshield when said accessory isreceived at said structure of said frame and with said frame attached atsaid vehicle windshield; and an outer casing that covers said frame andsaid accessory received thereat.
 80. The accessory mounting system ofclaim 79, wherein said outer casing is provided in two parts andwherein, with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield, said partscan be joined together to cover said frame and said accessory receivedthereat.
 81. The accessory mounting system of claim 80, wherein, withsaid frame attached at said vehicle windshield, said joined-togetherparts can be separated to uncover said frame and said accessory receivedthereat.
 82. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, wherein wiringcarrying at least one of power and a control input passes through saidouter casing.
 83. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, whereinsaid frame comprises further structure to receive another accessory andwherein said another accessory is selected from the group consisting of(i) a rain sensor, (ii) a temperature sensor, (iii) a closing velocitysensor, (iv) a compass, (v) a sensor and (vi) a window temperaturesensor.
 84. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, wherein saidcamera comprises a part of a collision avoidance system of a vehicleequipped with said accessory mounting system.
 85. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 79, wherein said camera provides a feed for at least oneof (a) a visual warning, (b) an audio warning and (c) a braking system.86. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, wherein said framecomprises structure for receiving a rain sensor and wherein anotheraperture through said frame is located at where said rain sensor isreceived at said frame.
 87. An accessory mounting system suitable foruse in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising: a vehiclewindshield; a plurality of fixing elements directly adhesively attachedby an adhesive at a surface of said vehicle windshield; a framecomprising a plurality of individual receiving portions spaced apartfrom one another in a manner that corresponds with the spacing apart ofsaid fixing elements; wherein each one of said receiving portions isconfigured to at least partially receive a respective and correspondingone of said fixing elements to attach said frame at said vehiclewindshield; said frame comprising a site configured for modular locationof an accessory at said frame; wherein said accessory comprises acamera; wherein said camera comprises a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) imager; wherein, when said accessory is located atsaid site at said frame, said camera has its line of vision through anaperture existing in said frame; wherein said vehicle windshieldcomprises a light absorbing layer having a light transmissive aperturegenerally corresponding with said aperture in said frame when said frameis attached at said vehicle windshield; wherein the line of vision ofsaid camera passes through both said aperture in said frame and saidlight transmissive aperture in said light absorbing layer of saidvehicle windshield when said accessory is located at said site at saidframe and with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield; andwherein at least one of (i) said camera comprises a part of a collisionavoidance system of a vehicle equipped with said accessory mountingsystem and (ii) said camera provides a feed for at least one of (a) avisual warning, (b) an audio warning and (c) a braking system.
 88. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 87, wherein said frame comprises asecond site configured for modular location of a rain sensor and whereinanother aperture through said frame is located at said second site. 89.The accessory mounting system of claim 88, wherein said second site atsaid frame includes structure to support said rain sensor so that saidrain sensor is properly aligned at said another aperture when said rainsensor is received at said second site at said frame, and wherein saidlight absorbing layer of said vehicle windshield comprises another lighttransmissive aperture generally corresponding with said another apertureof said frame when said frame is attached at said vehicle windshield,and wherein said rain sensor senses through said another lighttransmissive aperture in said light absorbing layer of said vehiclewindshield when said rain sensor is located at said second site at saidframe and with said frame attached at said vehicle windshield.
 90. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 89, wherein said frame comprises athird site and wherein said third site is configured for modularlocation of at least one of (i) a sensor, (ii) a temperature sensor,(iii) a window temperature sensor, (iv) a compass sensor, (v) a closingvelocity sensor assembly, (vi) a communications assembly, (vii) atransmitter, (viii) a receiver, (ix) a light sensor, (x) a humiditysensor assembly and (xi) a display assembly.
 91. The accessory mountingsystem of claim 87, wherein said site comprises a connector configuredto provide at least one of mechanical and electrical connection for saidaccessory.
 92. The accessory mounting system of claim 87, comprising anouter casing that covers said frame and said accessory located at saidsite at said frame.
 93. The accessory mounting system of claim 92,wherein said outer casing is provided in two parts and wherein, withsaid frame attached at said vehicle windshield, said parts can be joinedtogether to cover said frame and said accessory located thereat.
 94. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 93, wherein, with said frame attachedat said vehicle windshield, said joined-together parts can be separatedto uncover said frame and said accessory located thereat.
 95. Theaccessory mounting system of claim 87, wherein said frame comprises ametal portion.
 96. The accessory mounting system of claim 87, whereinsaid frame comprises at least one of (i) metal, (ii) a metal alloy,(iii) a die casting, (iv) die cast aluminum and (v) die cast aluminumalloy.